The Los Angeles Lakers continue to make moves.
After announcing deals for Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
The team is signing Sexton to a two-year, $19 million deal. There is a player option on the second year.
Sexton played last season with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. He started the year with the Hornets, but was traded to the Bulls at the deadline.
In 68 total games, he averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He shot 48% from the field and 40% from three on 4.1 attempts.
Sexton's Fit In Los Angeles
After losing Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, the Lakers needed backcourt players next to and behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Sexton immediately slots in as the backup point guard who can run the offense alongside Doncic and Reaves, but also when they need a break.
They didn't have a true backup point guard last season, instead relying on Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron to always carry the offense, while using Smart as a secondary playmaker and Rui Hachimura as a secondary creator for himself.
Kennard looked like he could grow into that role, taking on more responsibility when Doncic and Reaves were injured, but he decided to move on to Phoenix.
Sexton is a true secondary creator and scorer who can get his own shot and help create for others.
What To Expect?
It's unlikely that Sexton will be given full control of the offense, as one of Doncic or Reaves should be on the court at all times. But Sexton will get plenty of on-ball opportunities given his overall offensive game.
And when he's not running the offense, he works as a strong spacer for the offense. Expect his catch-and-shoot opportunities to increase in the offense, which is an area where he's going to provide even more value.
He shot 44% on catch-and-shoot threes, but only saw 2.5 attempts. That number should go up with Doncic and Reaves getting him the ball.
He gets to the rim and makes the proper kickout, but he's typically going to look to score first. He's shown flashes defensively but has lacked consistency and is undersized.
He also has familiarity with Kessler from their time in Utah, but the numbers weren't great, as they had a -4.3 net rating when on the floor together.
Overall, this is a nice low-risk signing that takes care of a need for the Lakers.
